Awaiting terror-free India: Tourists

Srinagar, Apr 21: Describing the Pahalgam terror attack as unfortunate, tourists on Wednesday paid tribute to the victims on the eve of its first anniversary at Razdan Top in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
According to reports, a number of visitors gathered at the high-altitude pass, which connects the Kashmir Valley with the remote Gurez Valley, and observed a brief silence in memory of those killed in the April 22, 2025 attack in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam.
The attack had left 26 people dead and over 20 injured, including tourists from different parts of the country.
Tourists said that the incident had shocked the nation but asserted that such acts would not deter them from visiting Kashmir.
“While the attack was deeply unfortunate, we have come here to pay our respects to the victims. We also want to send a message that fear will not stop us from travelling,” said Rakesh Sharma, a tourist from Delhi.
Another visitor, Meena Gupta from Punjab, said Kashmir continues to remain a safe destination. “We feel secure here. The arrangements are good and people are welcoming. Incidents like that should never happen again,” she said.
A female tourist, Meenakshi, said the country stands united with the victims’ families and called for stronger measures to prevent such attacks in future. “The government understood the pain of the people and responded firmly. We hope such incidents never happen again,” she said.
She added that justice for the victims would be realised when the country becomes free from terrorism.
Several tourists urged the authorities to maintain a strong security grid across the Valley, especially at major tourist destinations.
“The attack last year was shocking, but the response since then has been reassuring. Security forces must remain vigilant so that such incidents are not repeated,” said Amit Verma, a visitor from Haryana.
Another group of tourists said their presence in Kashmir was also a gesture of solidarity with the people of the region.
“We are here not just as tourists, but also to stand with Kashmiris and the families affected by the attack. Peace must prevail,” said Neha Singh, a visitor from Uttar Pradesh.
Tourists also praised the hospitality of locals and said they felt safe while travelling across different parts of the Valley.
Officials have stepped up security across key tourist hubs ahead of the anniversary, with intensified patrols and surveillance measures in place to ensure safety of visitors. (KNO)